“Mallow”, Mediterranean Saltbush
Atriplex halimus

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

It is a shrub growing to 2 m high. The leaves are alternate and have leaf stalks. The leaves are silver green. The blade is 3 cm long. It narrows at the base. The flowers are greenish white. They are in irregular spikes.

There are about 100-300 Atriplex species. See Job 30:4 They have also been put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on sandy soils by the sea. It can grow in salty soils. It needs a well drained soil. It does best in full sun but can grow in part shade. It can grow in salty or alkaline soils. It can tolerate wind. It does all right down to -5°C. Plants are damaged by frosts but recover. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 150-600 m altitude. Large plants are not easily transplanted. It grows between 910-1,220 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places and deserts. It grows in the Sahara. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Angola, Australia, Balkans, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Central Africa, Cyprus, East Africa, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, North Africa, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Siberia, Sinai, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Africa

How it is used for food

The young leaves can be used raw in salads or cooked. They have a salty flavour. The seeds can be cooked and used in soups and bread. The plant yields an edible manna.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, manna

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They germinate in 1-3 weeks. Cuttings can be used and start to root in about 3 weeks.

Its other names

Local names

Gataf, G'taf, Guettaf, Hamth, Kataf, Legtaf, Sea Orache, Sea purslane, Seabeach sandwort, Shrubby orache, Tree purslane

Synonyms

Atriplex capensis Moq.; ? Atriplex serrulata Pau;